Cameron & The Slumberknights return with their new track ‘Lil’ Soldier’, boasting a music video inspired by UK TV drama ‘Misfits’, filmed on the show’s old set in Thamesmead, London. Written about persevering through an emotional mid-twenties slump, this poetic outpour details the feelings felt by band frontman Cam the Slumberknight as a boy-become-man determined to chase his dreams against the clock – spotlighting the rapper’s honest penmanship and masterful delivery in the process. Riddled with earworm guitar licks and underpinned by the impeccable fusion of Collins’ rumbling basslines with drummer Creature.’s bombastic drum-grooves, Lil’ Soldier leans into the group’s Hip-Hop influences to produce their most defiant track yet.

Talking about the new track, Cam shares: “Lil' Soldier's verses were written across a year – between Summer 2019 and Summer 2020. It was actually recorded during the same sessions as our sophomore single 'Midnight', if you can believe it!  That period of time covered mine and Jim's (Creature.) graduation, as well as the first COVID-19 lockdown in the UK. It was a time of change and uncertainty, when we were all looking for a light at the end of the tunnel. I think the song reflects that and paints a vivid picture of my own early twenties, where I'd be rocking my beat-up trainers (often a pair of Air Max, or in Lil' Soldier's case, some Chuck Taylors!) through London –rain or shine, dusk or dawn – trying to catch a break."

Cameron And The Slumberknights front man: Cam, sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
Eminem! I have these distinct memories of my Dad playing Encore in the car when I was younger...he's still got the same album on repeat in his car's CD player! Some things never change! I don't know what it was about Em', but I've always loved writing stories and poems; I suppose rap music was the next step for me in exploring storytelling as a way of expressing myself.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

....Eminem! I've been keeping a list of dream collaborations since I can remember – here's a few that have shaped my taste in recent years (we'll work with them one day!):

Kendrick Lamar

Mamas Gun

Phoebe Bridgers

Jon Bellion

Noname

Saba.

3.  What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

Me and the guys have been hard at work preparing our debut EP, which will be released later in the year. The songs we're writing are definitely an evolution of the band's sound, and feature a lot more tasty production from our side. Ben (guitarist) and Creature. (drummer – Jim Cornelissen) have really levelled up as producers during the pandemic, and we've been cooking up some real treats! You can expect more scorching-hot honesty, as well as the Slumberknights sparkle we've come to be known for.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Andy Platts of Mamas Gun first described our sound as "nu-jazz", and later described it as "definitely a thing". He has been really supportive of the band since we formed, which I'm truly grateful for. A lot of the harmony behind our music is rooted in jazz and soul – and credit to the boys for that, they are the most talented musicians I know. I like to think our tracks are poetic and carry a weight of substance; I've been told our music is great for a sad-chill!

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

We're especially proud of our sophomore release "Midnight", because it reached corners of the world we never would've anticipated! It's the first time in my career that I've had a song connect with people like that, and I'll forever cherish it as a result. To have so many people relate to your own vulnerability is a very special thing, particularly given that the song came out during the pandemic (when the U.K was in lockdown). When we weren't necessarily able to connect with people and enjoy our usual routines due to COVID-19 restrictions, this song was a guiding light.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

We're still trying to play this game ourselves! That said, I think it's important for artists to remember they are exactly that – artists! Make art you're going to be proud of post-release, and that you enjoy making – easier said than done though, I suppose. I think surrounding yourself with friends who have similar ambitions and passions will help you stick it out, as well. This can be a lonely ride with a lot of dark moments, so do anything you can to keep your head on straight and your feet in your shoes!

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

This is a great chance for us to spotlight some of our peers, so be sure to check these tracks out!
Polly Money – Water (her new single "Street Side" is coming out next week!)

Mackenzy Mackay – Honeycomb (this guy is working so hard right now – our bro!)

Susannah Sail – That Feeling (her new single "Dream" is out on March 25th!)

Lana Lubany – The Snake (Our boy Ben (guitarist) produced this bi-lingual banger!).

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Saba – Few Good Things

Mick Jenkins – Pieces of a Man

Mamas Gun – Golden Days

Yebba – Dawn.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

It's hard to find time for much else when on the grind, but during the pandemic I had a bit more time to play video games again (such as League of Legends and World of Warcraft – which I've been playing on-and-off since I was 11). Since things have reopened, I've enjoyed catching up on the latest cinema (I can't wait for the new Doctor Strange film!) and have also been supporting my local non-league football club Bishop's Stortford F.C home and away as they challenge for their first league title in 28-years!

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Coffee. Cola. Vibes.